About
A perennial bulb to around 50cm, with light green, lance-shaped foliage. Tall stems of crown-shaped, red flowers, with a creamy-yellow edge, appear from April to May.
About the genus
Tulipa are bulbous perennials with characteristic flowers, in a wide range of colours, in spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitColumnar upright, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin allergen - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationPlant bulbs in late autumn, at a depth of 10-15cm (4-6in) in fertile, well-drained soil. Choose a sunny position, with protection from strong winds and excess winter wet. Lift bulbs annually, once the leaves have died down, and ripen in a cool greenhouse, keeping dry over the summer. See tulip cultivation for more details
PruningDeadhead after flowering and remove fallen petals
PropagationPropagate by lifting and separating offsets. See bulb propagation for further details
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, aphids and stem and bulb eelworm; squirrels may eat the bulbs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to tulip fire, grey mould (botrytis), grey bulb rot, and tulip virus